Modals of Deduction and Speculation.

Read the sentences and choose the correct speculations or deductions:

Jeremy was not in class at 11:00 a.m. this morning. Carol saw him coming out of the theater downtown around noon.

• He could have been at the hospital.

• He must have gone to the movies.

• He must not have skipped class.

Sofia says she has a new job, but her email hasn't changed.

• She may have a new email.

• She may not have told us the truth.

• She couldn't have emailed us.

Ahmed drinks three cups of coffee every morning at his desk.

• He might have had tea.

• He must not like coffee.

• He must like coffee.

Tom said he took a picture of a huge bear in his backyard, but no one has seen the photo.

• He couldn't have taken a picture of the bear.

• He might take a picture of the bear.

• He may or may not have taken a picture of the bear.

Tara is an excellent soccer player, and she scored the most goals for her team last year.

• She may not be on the team.

• She couldn't have scored any goals.

• She might have been the best player on the team.

Julia was invited to Lisa's party, but she doesn't know what time it starts. She lost the invitation, so she texted Lisa to find out.

• It couldn't be at 2:00 p.m.

• It may be at 2:00 p.m.

• It must be at 2:00 p.m.

Margot told her mother that she liked her haircut, but she had a strange expression on her face when she said it.

• She might have told a white lie.

• She may not have said she liked it.

• She could tell the truth.